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Ford Explorer Rear Axle Mounting Bolt Can Fracture
high How serious is it? About this label
A disconnected driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or the vehicle could roll away if the parking brake is not applied; either of these can increase the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.
Key facts
| NHTSA campaign number | 23V675000 |
|---|---|
| Reported to NHTSA | Oct 6, 2023 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Part affected | Power Train:driveline:driveshaft |
| Vehicles covered | 3 model/year combinations, model years 2020–2022 |
| Do-not-drive advisory | No |
| Park-outside advisory | No |
| Repair | Free at any franchised dealer |
What's wrong, in plain English
The bolt that mounts the rear axle horizontally on these Explorer vehicles may fracture over time. If that bolt breaks, the driveshaft connected to the rear axle can disconnect, separating a part of the drivetrain that normally sends power to the rear wheels.
What you should do
2. Contact a Ford dealer for the free repair; call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
3. The repair, including replacing the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt, is free of charge.
Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?
Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 23V675000. More in how recalls work.
Affected vehicles (3)
Who to contact
Ford — official Ford recall lookup
Customer service: 1-866-436-7332
The bigger picture
- Ford Powertrain Recalls Involving Fluid Leaks and Wheel Detachment · all 56 Ford recalls in this area
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Official notice
- Component
- POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
- Safety risk
- A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt. They will also inspect the rear axle cover for damage near the bolt hole location and replace with a new cover if any damage is found. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S55.
Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.